54-year-old agreed to transport medication to pay off debt, court hears

A 54-year-old man has pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to keeping a controlled substance for supply without authorisation. Alan McDermott of Clonliffe Avenue, Dublin was arrested on Philipsburgh Avenue on 16 August 2014 after gardaí recovered 149,352 tablets of Zopliclone from his vehicle. The prescription medication, valued at approximately €298,704 if sold illicitly, was transferred to McDermott's van during a coordinated exchange in the Drumcondra area. In interview, McDermott acknowledged agreeing to transport the boxes to settle a drug debt, stating he had been instructed to park the vehicle outside a café in Marino with unlocked doors. He maintained he was unaware of the contents and did not appreciate the gravity of his involvement. Judge Melanie Greally has adjourned sentencing to 10 June pending a community service report. McDermott has no previous convictions.